Hi everyone!
We’re officially back for a brand new semester! This is actually my last semester since I’m a graduating senior and yes, it’s super bittersweet to know the end is near. I still have fourteen weeks to go though, so let’s not dwell on it too much!
Right now, my main concern is how I’m going to survive the winter, so I figured I would write a quick blog post about what future Hawkeyes should buy and bring to campus to stay warm during the colder months.
In case you didn’t know, I’m originally from New York which has the winter season, but it’s NOTHING like the Iowa cold! Even if you’re from a state that gets chilly winds and snowstorms, I would definitely recommend investing in warm clothing. Below are some ideas if you need some inspiration!
An expensive winter coat (yes, I said expensive)
This might seem obvious, but seriously, I see so many people walking around without a warm coat!
I would invest in a coat with a hood and/or one that goes down to your knees just so you’re keeping more than your torso warm. This is also one of the few items that I would invest and spend money on since you’ll be walking to class every day and it’ll make the walks so much less uncomfortable.
A good winter coat is your main and most important essential for the cold, so if you haven’t already, find one that you can buy and wear for the many, many winter seasons!
Hats or Earmuffs
Having cold ears can hurt, so invest in hats or earmuffs! If you’re like me and you don’t like having frizzy hair in class, I would buy a pair of cute earmuffs. Lately, they’ve been a staple for me, and if you wear them enough times, your friends will notice you from halfway across campus because you wear them THAT often.
Hats and earmuffs keep your ears warm, and your hair down, and add a cute detail to any outfit, so definitely grab one before you come to campus!
Gloves
I love to bring homemade coffee to class, so having a good pair of gloves keeps my hands from getting red and cracked which is super painful when you’re trying to write your notes or do your homework.
My recommendation would be to buy a pair that has some rubber padding, so you can use your phone without having to remove your glove. I love to change my music up while I go on walks, so this is definitely essential for me since good music is the exact motivation I need when hurrying across campus
Jeans (without rips!)
Listen, I’m all for a pair of ripped jeans (I say this as I’m currently wearing ripped jeans!). But for the colder weeks, I would recommend finding jeans (or any long pants in general) that completely cover your legs.
Just like your hands, you don’t want your skin getting red or cracked, so having a few pairs of long jeans or pants that cover you completely will save you the pain of having to constantly reapply moisturizer!
Winter Boots
An obvious answer, but essential nonetheless!
While Iowa City is amazing at plowing and salting the roads and sidewalks, sometimes, you will have to trek through some snow, so having a good pair of winter boots will help you keep your grip and save you from falling in the snow heaps.
My current winter boots are hand-me-downs from my mom, and I love them! If you don’t want to spend a lot of money (or you already spent a lot of money on that coat), definitely ask around and see who in your family is willing to help you stay on your feet!
Bonus: Chapstick
It’s not really a winter essential, but sometimes, my lips get really chapped after I walk in the cold, so it’s nice to have chapstick on hand. That way, you won’t be chewing your lips for hours on end.
Those are all of my winter essentials! Some of these are pretty obvious, but I can assure you… if you forget any of them, you’ll end up regretting it.
So, start thinking now about how you can fit these items into the trunk of your car, so you make sure to stay warm during the second semester!
